SEATTLE — The Hurricane Ridge recreation area reopened Friday for the winter season after a challenging year due to a devastating fire in May.
The Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge was reported a total loss after a fire broke out on May 7. The lodge had been closed for $11 million worth of renovations since March 27, which included upgrades to the building's fire detection and notification systems.
Hurricane Ridge Road reopened to public visitors on June 27.
Crews have installed an interim restroom trailer and visitor contact station. Crews will continue to work to remove debris from the fire.
“Park employees, contractors, and partners have worked tirelessly to get this done. Thanks to their monumental efforts, everyone will be able to experience a full winter season on the Ridge,” said Olympic National Park Superintendent Sula Jacobs.
According to the National Park Service (NPS), Hurricane Ridge Road is scheduled to be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through March 31, 2024 (closed Dec. 25, Christmas Day). The road will also be open Dec. 26 through January 1, January 15, and Feb. 19, all weather permitting.
NPS said visitors should expect to use their vehicles for warming and to pack extra food and water.
Sen. Patty Murray announced that $80 million of the White House’s $56 billion supplemental budget request has been set aside to rebuild the Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge. The $80 million requested would be used for the full redesign and rebuild of the lodge, as well as interim facilities. It would be rebuilt on the existing footprint.
Originally built in 1952 as a ski lodge, the lodge saw about 300,000 visitors each year.